Course Number and Title:
CRJ 222 Constitutional Law and Criminal Procedure
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: CRJ 101 or HDM 101
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
0 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course explores the intersection of criminal law and constitutional rights, focusing on the protections afforded to individuals within the criminal justice system under the U.S. Constitution. Through the study of landmark Supreme Court decisions and key legal principles, students will examine and apply critical aspects of the 4th, 5th and 6th Amendments.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Examine the history, structure, and contents of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. (CCC 5; PGC 1, 3)
- Explain pre-trial constitutional restrictions on criminal justice professionals. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 1, 3)
- Explain constitutional protections related to the gathering of evidence and trial procedures. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 1, 3, 5)
- Interpret constitutional principles and cases. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 1, 3, 5)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Examine the history, structure, and contents of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
- Describe the processes and political atmosphere involved with creating the United States Constitution.
- Identify the major structural features of the Constitution, including separation of powers and federalism.
- Describe the purpose of the Bill of Rights.
- Describe the function of the United States Supreme Court as it relates to interpretation of the Constitution.
- Explain pre-trial constitutional restrictions on criminal justice professionals.
- Read and evaluate the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendments.
- Differentiate circumstances where law enforcement may detain and arrest, including vehicle stops.
- Describe the legal standards for the execution of an arrest and/or approval of an arrest warrant.
- Describe the legal standards for the approval of a search warrant.
- Explain the significance of the exclusionary rule.
- Examine landmark cases that apply the pre-trial constitutional restrictions on criminal justice professional
- Explain constitutional protections related to the gathering of evidence and trial procedures
- Identify constitutional restrictions on law enforcement use of surveillance techniques and technology.
- Examine constitutional protections for the accused related to interrogation techniques and confessions, including the right against self-incrimination.
- Explore the history and current protections surrounding a defendant’s right to counsel.
- List the constitutional rights offered to a defendant during the trial and punishment phases of the criminal justice system.
- Interpret constitutional principles and cases.
- Apply constitutional principles to factual situations.
- Explain the consequences of constitutional violations.
- Identify various United States Supreme Court decisions, and explain their relevance to applied scenarios.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Grade |
Summative Assessments |
Exam (3) (equally weighted) | 50% |
Case Law Application Project | 10% |
Formative Assessments |
The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to: Quizzes Assignments Discussion Boards | 40% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and homeland security.
- Analyze causes of adult and juvenile crime.
- Explain the importance of professionalism, ethics, and critical thinking skills in the field of criminal justice.
- Apply skills needed in investigation, report writing, and crisis intervention.
- Demonstrate communication skills appropriate to criminal justice, including cultural competence and trauma-informed care.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.